Indulge in Comfort: Pioneer Woman Potato Ham Casserole Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Potato Ham Casserole recipe brings classic comfort food right to your kitchen. This scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is a delightful dish, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s signature style, this recipe simplifies the process of creating a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful potato and ham casserole that everyone will love. If you’re searching for a foolproof recipe for ham and potato casserole, look no further. This dish is incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

What Makes This Pioneer Woman Potato Ham Casserole Special?

This isn’t just any potato casserole; it’s the Pioneer Woman’s potato ham casserole, and that means it’s packed with flavor and made with love. This recipe stands out because of its ease and deliciousness. Unlike some scalloped potato recipes that require complicated sauces or lengthy prep times, this version is streamlined for simplicity without sacrificing taste. The creamy, cheesy sauce is created directly in the casserole dish as it bakes, saving you time and effort.

One of the best things about this scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is its versatility. It’s fantastic for using up leftover ham from holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. However, you don’t need to wait for a holiday to enjoy it! It’s equally delicious made with a ham steak or any cooked ham you have on hand. This casserole transforms simple ingredients – potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream – into a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish.

This ham and potato casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of home-cooked goodness, perfect for bringing families together around the dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole that will become a new family favorite.

An overhead shot of a fully garnished casserole inside of a casserole dish.

Key Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Potato Ham Casserole

Let’s gather the simple yet flavorful ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole:

For the Casserole Base:

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe. Their high starch content is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture in the casserole. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good substitute if you prefer a slightly waxier potato. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they can release too much moisture and make the casserole watery.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is the star protein of this dish. It adds a savory, slightly salty flavor that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully, or you can use cubed ham steaks for convenience.
Onion: A yellow onion, sautéed until softened, provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
Butter: Butter serves a dual purpose. It’s used to sauté the onions and ham, adding richness, and also to grease the casserole dish, preventing sticking and adding a touch of flavor to the edges.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

Half-and-Half & Heavy Cream: This combination creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that envelops the potatoes and ham. Half-and-half provides lightness, while heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour is whisked into the cream mixture to act as a thickening agent. This ensures the sauce becomes perfectly creamy and binds the casserole ingredients together as it bakes.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice, enhancing the savory flavors of the ham, potatoes, and cheese.
Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese is the perfect cheese combination for this casserole. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy, bold flavor, while Monterey Jack offers a mild, creamy, and melty texture. Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.

The labeled ingredients for scalloped potatoes and ham.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole:

1. Prep and Preheat:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish generously with butter. This prevents sticking and adds a delicious buttery flavor to the edges of your casserole. Set the dish aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add butter to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom as it melts.
Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and softened, about 2-3 minutes. This step mellows the onion’s sharpness and brings out its sweetness.

Melting butter in a hot skillet then adding in diced onions.

3. Add Ham and Sauté:

Add the diced ham to the skillet with the onions.
Sauté until the ham is heated through and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the ham’s flavor and adds a bit of texture.
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sautéed ham and onions to a bowl. Set aside.

Sauteing the onions in a hot skillet before adding the cubed cooked ham.

4. Prepare the Cream Sauce:

In a microwave-safe container, combine the half-and-half and heavy cream.
Microwave the cream mixture for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, just until it’s warmed through and no longer cold. Warming the cream helps the flour incorporate smoothly and prevents lumps.
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of flour remaining for a silky sauce.

Adding flour and pepper to the milk mixture then mixing.

5. Slice the Potatoes:

Using a mandoline set to the thinnest setting (around 1/8 inch thickness), carefully slice all the potatoes. Discard the first and last slices, which are often uneven.
Slicing potatoes thinly and uniformly with a mandoline ensures even cooking and a tender texture in the casserole. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp knife to slice them as thinly and evenly as possible.

Discarding the potato ends and slicing with a mandolin slicer over a baking tray.

6. Layer the Casserole:

Arrange one-third of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, slightly overlapping them to create a base layer.
Spread one-third of the sautéed ham and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer.
Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack) over the ham and onions.
Whisk the cream sauce again briefly to ensure it’s smooth, and then pour one-third of the cream sauce evenly over the cheese layer.

Adding cheese and cream mixture to the layered casserole dish.

7. Repeat Layers:

Repeat the layering process two more times, using the remaining potatoes, ham and onion mixture, cheese, and cream sauce.
Ensure the final layer is the cream sauce, poured over the top layer of cheese.

Adding the additional layers to form the ham and potato casserole.

8. Bake the Casserole:

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Covering the casserole with foil helps steam the potatoes and ensures they become tender.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil.
Continue baking uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

A freshly baked scalloped potatoes casserole in a casserole dish.

9. Rest and Serve:

Once baked, remove the Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness!

Expert Tips for the Best Potato Ham Casserole

To ensure your Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole is a resounding success, consider these pro tips:

Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Always use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose, which can prevent them from melting as smoothly and can result in a grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully and provides the best flavor and texture.
Mandoline for Perfect Potato Slices: Using a mandoline is highly recommended for slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly. This ensures that the potatoes cook uniformly and have a tender, consistent texture throughout the casserole. If using a knife, aim for consistent thin slices.
Prevent Potato Discoloration: If you need to slice the potatoes ahead of time, prevent them from browning by placing them in a bowl of cold water immediately after slicing. Before layering them in the casserole, make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Parboil for Faster Cooking (Optional): If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This will reduce the overall baking time in the oven. Be sure to drain and cool the potatoes slightly before layering.
Resting is Crucial: Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes helps the sauce thicken and set, and it allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Ham Casserole

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole turns out perfectly:

Will Scalloped Potatoes Cook Faster Covered or Uncovered?

Scalloped potatoes cook faster when initially covered with aluminum foil. Covering the casserole traps steam and heat, which helps the potatoes cook through and become tender more quickly. Removing the foil for the last part of baking allows the top to become golden brown and bubbly.

A close up shot showing the inside texture of the potato and ham casserole.

How Do You Know When Scalloped Potatoes Are Done?

Scalloped potatoes are done when the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and feel tender. The sauce should be thick and bubbly, and the cheese on top should be melted, golden brown, and also bubbly.

Can I Slice Potatoes Ahead of Time for Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes, you can slice potatoes ahead of time. To prevent them from discoloring (turning brown or gray), submerge the sliced potatoes in cold water in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Before using, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to remove excess water.

A side shot of a casserole dish with gooey cheesy layers throughout.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can assemble the Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as instructed up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven to ensure even cooking.

Freezing Instructions:

Yes, you can freeze cooked Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, usually around 30-40 minutes.

A slice of scalloped potatoes and ham casserole with a side of salad.

Slow Cooker Option:

While this recipe is designed for oven baking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker if desired. Omit the flour and half-and-half from the recipe. Layer the potatoes, ham, onions, cream, and cheese in a slow cooker as directed. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours. Note that the sauce may not be as thick as in the oven-baked version, but it will still be flavorful and delicious.

Enjoy Your Homemade Potato Ham Casserole

This Pioneer Woman potato ham casserole recipe is a guaranteed way to bring comfort and deliciousness to your table. With its creamy texture, savory ham, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for any meal, any day. Enjoy the process of creating this heartwarming dish and the smiles it brings to your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Continue to Content

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (washed thoroughly)
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
3 cups diced ham
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese*

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch casserole dish, and set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and sauté until they just start to turn translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ham and sauté until it is heated through (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the ham and onions to a bowl, and set aside.
Pour the half-and-half and heavy cream into a microwave-safe container. Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes (just enough to remove the chill). Whisk in the flour and black pepper until it’s smooth and fully combined.
Using a mandoline, set the thickness to the thinnest setting (1/8 inch thickness) and slice all the potatoes (discarding the first slice and the end slice).
Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared dish, slightly overlapping each other. Then evenly spread 1/3 of the ham and onions over the potatoes.
Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese over the ham. Whisk the cream mixture before you add it to the dish each time, then spread 1/3 of the cream mixture over the casserole.
Repeat this step 2 more times, ending with a layer of the cream sauce over a layer of the cheese. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender (about 45 minutes). After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake until it looks hot and bubbly (20-25 more minutes).
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes so that the sauce has a chance to thicken up, then cut into squares and serve.

Recipe Notes

*It’s important to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheeses are coated in an anti-caking agent that makes the texture gritty after it melts.

**If you want to speed up the cooking time in the oven, you could boil the potatoes for 5 minutes, drain them, and allow them to cool enough to handle them before assembling the casserole.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1/8 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 615Total Fat: 39.5gCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2.7gSugar: 5.5gProtein: 26.9g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.